“Shock treatment” for hospital staff appointed by Maithripala Sirisena

“Shock treatment” for hospital staff appointed by Maithripala Sirisena

Written by Staff Writer

24 Nov, 2014 | 9:36 pm

Written by Staff Writer
24 Nov, 2014 | 9:36 pm

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One thousand appointments presented by Maithripala Sirisena as the Minister of Health on November 18 for junior staff at hospitals, have been made invalid.

The sudden notice issued to the group of employees who have commenced work at various hospitals after receiving their appointments on November 18, has come as a shock and has caused great stress.

President of All Ceylon Suwasewa Union, Ranmenike Batagoda commented on this situation: “About 60 employees were sent to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital four days ago. They worked for about four days. They worked yesterday as well and were suddenly told not to go to work and were told to report to the Ministry. From tomorrow onwards we will take to the streets and demonstrate on behalf of the workers.”

Hospital authorities had informed the group to report to the Ministry of Health and inform them of the sudden cancellation of their appointments. While the group did visit the Ministry of Health, they left empty-handed.

The group that exited the Ministry staged a protest outside and attempted to re-enter, but they were denied access.

The police intervened to halt the protest which had blocked the entrance to the inistry.
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Deputy Minister of Health, Lalith Dissanayake expressed following views regarding the incident.

“ I made inquiries from the Secretary. She is abroad so I believe these appointments were made without her approval. At the same time, when making appointments, we must secure allocations from the Treasury. But there was no allocation. We have to pay these people as well, just as we put them to work. Since these were sudden appointments, they have been halted temporarily. That is what we have been informed.”

Meanwhile, addressing a letter to the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, the Sri Lanka Republic Health Services Association says that the new appointments granted with the approval of the Secretary are by no means illegitimate.

The Association calls on the Secretary to inform the relevant hospital authorities to allow the affected appointees to report to work, and uphold their fundamental and human rights as citizens of this country.